TAMPA, Fla. — The NHL is on a break due to the 2026 Winter Olympics. But if you're missing hockey already, don't worry, there are plenty of opportunities to watch your favorite Tampa Bay Lightning players represent their home countries in Milan, Italy.
Below is a list of the days on which Lightning players are competing in their first games this year for their respective countries. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper is also leading Team Canada.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Slovakia vs. Finland
- 10:40 a.m. EST
- Erik Cernak will play for Team Slovakia
- Sweden vs. Italy
- 3:10 p.m. EST
- Pontus Holmberg and Victor Hedman will play for Team Sweden
Thursday, Feb. 12
- Switzerland vs. France
- 6:10 a.m. EST
- J.J. Moser will play for Team Switzerland
- Czechia vs. Canada
- 10:40 a.m. EST
- Brandon Hagel will play for Team Canada
- Jon Cooper will coach Team Canada
- Latvia vs. USA
- 3:10 p.m. EST
- Jake Guentzel will play for Team USA
- Zemgus Girgensons will play for Team Latvia
For the full list of matches, countries, and more Olympic events, visit here.

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